The National Weather Service [NWS] has issued warnings across much of Southern New England from 11 AM to 8 PM on Wednesday, August 11 and Thursday, August 12.
The NWS issued a heat advisory for Wednesday, warning of heat index values up to 100 degrees.
The NWS issued an excessive heat watch for Thursday, warning of dangerously hot conditions with heat index values between 105 and 109 degrees possible.
Both advisories warn that extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or taking part in outdoor activities. Residents should be prepared to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.
The Worcester Senior Center will be open Wednesday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, as a cooling center. Elderly residents are encouraged to seek relief from the heat at the Senior Center.
In addition, the Worcester Public Library, 3 Salem Square, will be available as a cooling center Wednesday, 9 AM to 8 PM; and Thursday and Friday, 9 AM to 5:30 PM.
The City of Worcester advises all residents to take precautions to stay safe in extreme heat.
- Drink plenty of fluids (non-alcoholic), regardless of your activity level, to stay hydrated
- If possible, stay in an air-conditioned space
- Take a cool bath or shower to beat the heat
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Avoid strenuous activities, and limit outdoor activities to morning or evening hours
- Never leave people or pets alone in a closed, parked vehicle
- Check on your friends, neighbors and relatives
- When outside, find shade and take frequent rests
- Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher
- Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke
Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness. For more information visit the CDC website.
More extreme heat tips are available from Ready.gov.
Residents are also encouraged to sign-up for ALERTWorcester and Smart911 to stay informed and be prepared in case of an emergency.
Residents are reminded that the City of Worcester operates:
- One pool
- Crompton Park Pool, 50 Canton Street
- Two spray parks
- Cristoforo Colombo/East Spray Park, 180 Shrewsbury Street,
- Greenwood Spray Park, 14 Forsberg Street
- Four beaches
- Bell Pond Beach, 238 Belmont Street
- Indian Lake Beach, 20 Clason Road
- John J. Binienda Memorial Beach at Coes Pond
- Shore Park Beach, 115 Shore Drive.
All sites are open to the public daily from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Please note Bell Pond is currently closed.
In addition, the City is home to 3 state beaches and pools:
- Dennis F. Shine Memorial Swimming Pool, 146 Providence Street
- Quinsigamond State Park 10 N. Lake Ave.
- Veterans Memorial (Bennett Field) Swimming Pool, 1270 Main Street
Both the Dennis F. Shine Memorial Swimming Pool and Veterans Memorial (Bennett Field) Swimming Pool open Saturday, June 26, and are available daily 11:15 AM to 6:45 PM.
